Esky Hockey Coach Accused of Sex Crimes

A former high school hockey coach in the U.P. is facing several sex crime charges.

46-year-old Ward Johnsen used to teach at Escanaba Middle School.

He’s also served as the high school’s hockey coach twice, including last season.

Johnsen turned himself in last Friday.

He’s charged with 4 misdemeanors — aggravated indecent exposure. attempted accosting of children for immoral purposes, attempted use of computers to commit a crime and attempted distribution of sexually explicit visual or verbal matter to children.

Johnsen has waived his right to have an arraignment and a preliminary exam.

Public Safety says an alleged victim came forward last March.

That was also when Johnsen resigned from both his teaching and coaching jobs.